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Going through isles of sun care products, you probably noticed that many offer "Complete UVA/UVB protection". Why do you need to be protected from both, and what is difference between two?
UVA and UVB are two types of ultraviolet rays that change physical and chemical condition of skin. They produce different effects, but at same time enhance each other’s action.
UVB rays are burning rays that cause immediate skin reaction - redness and swelling that you see within hours of sun exposure. As you look at yourself in mirror, you are not likely to think of your sun kissed skin in these terms. It definitely looks better now that there is a glow to it and wrinkles seem to be less visible. But look is deceiving. The glow is caused by increased blood flow to skin as a rescue response to repair damage, and wrinkles are less visible because your skin has just suffered an injury and is puffed.
UVB rays are responsible for skin cancer and cataract.
UVA rays stimulate production of melanin, skin pigment. Melanin is formed in deeper skin layers and reaches surface in two-three days. This is when you see that you got tan. Unfortunately, there is little to be proud about, as tanning is what your body does to protect itself from sun. It is a reaction to potentially dangerous conditions that you expose yourself to.
If your are trying to avoid freckles, age spots, pregnancy mask or any other type of skin discoloration, UVA rays are your first enemy. It is important to remember that while glass windows block UVB rays, they do nothing to shield you form UVA rays.
UVA rays were thought to be less damaging, and common belief was that safe tanning was possible: you block UVB and enjoy bronzing effect of UVA rays. Wrong! Recent research proves that UVA rays may be even more dangerous than UVB. They reach deeper into skin layers and contribute to photoaging and development of melanoma, a very dangerous type of skin cancer.
Photoaging is aging of skin caused by sunlight. Collagen, a large protein, is main skin building block. 90% of skin mass is collagen which contributes to skin’s firmness, strength and elasticity. Skin has ability to renew collagen fibers: grow new ones and dissolve those that are damaged. UV rays interfere with these chemical reactions and suppress collagen production while stimulating collagen destruction. In our 20’s, collagen production slows down, and eventually all that skin is left with is damaged collagen, which is not as flexible and cannot perform its original functions. The skin loses its elasticity and forms wrinkles.